Rockets report: Smith rewards family’s patience

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When the Rockets last played in Sacramento, Greg Smith’s family made plans to make the one-hour drive from his hometown of Vallejo, Calif., and finally see him in the NBA. Smith, however, was sent to the NBA Development League.

When the Rockets returned six weeks later on Wednesday, possibly for the last time depending on the NBA Board of Governors decision about the team moving to Seattle, Smith was not only back with the Rockets, he was starting.

“It feels good,” Smith said of the changes since the Rockets’ previous game in Sacramento. “I can see myself progressing as a player, as a man, learning more about this lifestyle on and off the court. I’m learning about scoring down low, being a defensive leader and talking on defense. It’s all going good.

“It was very hard last time. My family wanted to see me play. That right there helped me get to this point, going to the D-League and really working on my game and not taking anything for granted.”

Patterson faces former team

Calling the Rockets players he left behind “brothers,” Kings forward Patrick Patterson said facing the Rockets for the first time “is definitely a game I want to play well.

“It’s definitely weird because I’ve known these guys since I came to the league,” Patterson said. “I’ve known Chandler (Parsons) since college. I’ve known Jeremy (Lin) since college. I grew to know Greg (Smith) and everyone else on that team. They were my brothers. Still are. I still stay in touch. It’s definitely weird stepping on the court, not passing them the ball.”

Patterson has come off the bench with the Kings, but his averages — 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds — are virtually the same as with the Rockets. The situation, with the Kings certain to be in the lottery, is much different.

“Goals are entirely different,” Patterson said. “Obviously, we’re not going to make the playoffs. We’re trying to finish on a positive note and win as many games as possible and build for the coming year.”

Robinson’s return nothing special

Rockets forward Thomas Robinson, just the eighth player ever taken in the first five picks and traded as a rookie, said he felt nothing out of the ordinary in his return to Sacramento.
“I really don’t have too many emotions,” Robinson said. “It’s not like I had been here for years. I’m really kind of nonchalant about it.
“My career is not based on trying to prove to Sacramento or anybody what I can do. I’m just here to get a W.”